SYDNEY: Australian Fashion Exchange (AFX) is the first textile, clothing and footwear player to secure funding under a new government program aimed at supporting business clusters.
The NSW Department of State and Regional Development was expected to formally announce the Business Cluster Program later this month. Funding under the program was designed to support small to medium enterprises (SMEs) which worked together to develop operations.
Financial support was limited to a maximum of $20,000 per individual business network or cluster over any two year period. Business clusters were required to have at least 80 per cent of its members operating as SMEs and been in operation for at least two years.
AFX had been in development for over two years and was officially formed earlier this year when memberships were extended to six designers across Sydney, Queensland and Victoria. Founder Ashan Winslow headed up the cluster with current members including brands Clinton Charlie (denim), Eleventh Commandment (streetwear), Rosie Roo (footwear), Sprinkle Magic (womenswear), Pharydon (jewellery) and Mae & Pearl (womenswear).
For an in-depth look at AFX, pick up a copy of Ragtrader's May 8 edition.